as the plot progresses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the plot progresses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the development or unfolding of a story over time. Example: "As the plot progresses, the characters reveal their true motivations and conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Musically, Wagner organizes all four operas around a network of leitmotifs that he varies, develops, and transforms as the plot progresses.

Britannica

Doug Johnstone of the Independent on Sunday found that "as the plot progresses it becomes increasingly more slapstick, and Atwood herself seems to stop taking things seriously".

The Guardian - Books

He can seem like both a child and a madman, becomes genuinely more intriguing as the plot progresses, yet remains unknowable to the end.

The New York Times

As the plot progresses, Bea withholds crucial information from her brother, even tells him lies, and her involvement with his son sends her backward to confront her own past.

The New York Times - Books

It seems likely I'll always flinch a little when we suddenly hear Elizabeth and Phillip tell each other stories from the olden days for the first time, in an exposition-handy manner, but as the plot progresses so, in general, does my satisfaction with it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As the plot progresses Max and Duke end up on the streets of New York City without their collars.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I spent a good portion of the movie squirming in my seat as the plot progressed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was slow to start off with, yet gained momentum as the plot progressed.

The Guardian

However, the plot progresses in such a way as to give Matty a melodramatic and not wholly credible crisis on a bridge over a fast-flowing river.

The Guardian - Film

The plot progresses smoothly and the details are quite graphic; the reader feels as if the characters are his/her own flesh and blood.

The Guardian

Is the plot progressing nicely or is it all too silly for words?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the plot progresses" to clearly indicate how events in a narrative change or influence each other over time. This helps readers follow the development of the story and understand the connections between different elements.

Common error

Avoid using "as the plot progresses" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from the overall impact. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the plot progresses" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a temporal clause. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating when something occurs in relation to the unfolding events of a story. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase correctly indicates development within the narrative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the plot progresses" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to signify how events unfold in a story. Ludwig AI supports this conclusion, providing multiple real-world examples. While the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, it's advisable to avoid overuse. Consider using synonyms like "as the story unfolds" for variety. Remember its primary function is to establish a timeline and context for the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the story unfolds

Focuses on the unveiling of the narrative, emphasizing the unfolding of events.

as the narrative develops

Highlights the growth and evolution of the storyline.

as the events transpire

Emphasizes the occurrence of events, often suggesting a more formal or dramatic tone.

as the tale unfolds

Similar to "as the story unfolds", but can imply a more traditional or fantastical narrative.

as the situation evolves

Shifts the focus from a story to a general situation or set of circumstances.

with the passage of time in the story

Explicitly indicates the progression through the timeline of the narrative.

as more details emerge

Highlights the revelation of new information or facts.

as we delve deeper into the plot

Suggests a more investigative or analytical approach to understanding the story.

during the course of the plot

Emphasizes the duration of the plot and the events contained within.

as the action unfolds

Focuses on the dynamic and active elements of the narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "as the plot progresses" in a sentence?

You can use "as the plot progresses" to describe how events unfold and characters develop in a story. For example: "As the plot progresses, the protagonist's motivations become clearer."

What are some alternatives to "as the plot progresses"?

You can use alternatives like "as the story unfolds", "as the narrative develops", or "as the events transpire" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as the story progresses" instead of "as the plot progresses"?

Yes, "as the story progresses" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "as the plot progresses". Both phrases convey the idea of events unfolding over time in a narrative.

What's the difference between "as the plot progresses" and "as the story develops"?

While similar, "as the plot progresses" focuses specifically on the arrangement of events in the story, whereas "as the story develops" can refer more broadly to the evolution of themes, characters, and settings in addition to the events.